Method of managing download in network system

ABSTRACT

The invention manages the download of print resource data, which is used during print processing, to a plurality of printing apparatuses in a network system in which the plurality of printing apparatuses and a server are connected. An identifier for g the print resource data to be downloaded is input, and downloadable printing apparatuses are determined in accordance with a type of a storage device attached to each of the plurality of printing apparatuses. The print resource data corresponding to the input identifier is downloaded to the determined printing apparatuses. When the data processing apparatus holds the print resource data corresponding to the identifier, the held print resource data is downloaded, and when the data processing apparatus does not hold the print resource data corresponding to the identifier, the print resource data is acquired from the server and downloaded. A server flag set to the downloaded print resource data is read, and it is determined that the downloaded print resource data should be transferred to the server when the server flag indicates that the downloaded print resource data should be transferred to said server, and it is determined determining that the downloaded print resource data should not be transferred to said server when the server flag indicates that the downloaded print resource data should not be transferred to said server.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a network system and, moreparticularly, to management of a network system in which software or thelike is downloaded to an electronic apparatus such as a printer, copyingmachine, or computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When software or a resource such as a font or form is downloaded to anelectronic apparatus such as a printer connected to a network, thedownloaded information is managed by a computer which has downloaded theinformation.

If, however, a single computer downloads information and manages thedownloaded information, the load on this computer increases in a networkenvironment in which a large number of electronic apparatuses areconnected. Also, if the network contains a plurality of computerscapable of download, information may be confused.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide anetwork system, download apparatus, server, and network managementmethod capable of reducing the load on data downloaded in a networksystem and reducing the load on the management of the download, and alsocapable of appropriately managing these pieces of information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a network systemcomprising a plurality of electronic devices, one or a plurality ofdownload apparatuses for downloading data to the electronic devices, anda server, wherein

the server holds the data downloaded by the download apparatus andinformation concerning the download.

In this system, the server holds the downloaded data and the informationconcerning the download. Therefore, the download apparatus need not holdthese data and information, and this reduces the load on the downloadapparatus. Also, since the downloaded data and the informationconcerning the download are held by the server, they are managed in aso-called unitary manner and hence can be appropriately managed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a downloadapparatus for downloading data to a plurality of electronic devices viaa network system having the plurality of electronic devices and aserver, characterized by comprising means for transferring thedownloaded data and information concerning the download to the server.

According to the present invention, there is provided a server formanaging download in a network system having a plurality of electronicdevices and one or a plurality of download apparatuses for downloadingdata to the electronic devices, characterized by comprising means forunitarily holding the downloaded data and information concerning thedownload.

According to the present invention, there is provided a network systemmanagement method of managing download of data to a plurality ofelectronic devices in a network system in which the electronic devicesand a server are connected, characterized by comprising the step oftransferring the downloaded data and information concerning the downloadto the server.

According to the present invention, there is provided a recording mediumrecording a program which, in order to manage download of data to aplurality of electronic devices in a network system having theelectronic devices and a server, allows a computer to function as meansfor transferring the downloaded data and information concerning thedownload to the server.

According to the present invention, there is provided a recording mediumrecording a program which, in order to manage download of data to aplurality of electronic devices in a network system having theelectronic devices and a server, allows a computer to function as meansfor unitarily holding the downloaded data and information concerning thedownload.

According to the present invention, there is provided an informationprocessing apparatus connected to a server apparatus for managing todownload data to a plurality of electronic devices comprising firstdisplay control means for obtaining information concerning saidelectronic devices from said server apparatus and display a list of themon a display unit, and second display control means for obtaininginformation concerning-data which can be downloaded to the electricdevice designated from said electric devices and display them on thedisplay unit, wherein data designated from said data which can bedownloaded and are displayed by said second display control means aredownload to said designated electric device.

According to the present invention, there is provided a data managementmethod executed on a system including a server apparatus for managing todownload data to a plurality of electronic devices and clientapparatuses connected to said server apparatus comprising first displaystep of obtaining information concerning said electronic devices fromsaid server apparatus and display a list of them on a display unit, andsecond display step of obtaining information concerning data which canbe downloaded to the electric device designated from said electricdevices and display them on the display unit, wherein data designatedfrom said data which can be downloaded and are displayed in said seconddisplay step are download to said designated electric device.

According to the present invention, there is provided a data downloadprogram executed on a computer connected to a server apparatus formanaging to download data to a plurality of electronic devicescomprising code for first display step of obtaining informationconcerning said electronic devices from said server apparatus anddisplay a list of them on a display unit, and code for second displaystep of obtaining information concerning data which can be downloaded tothe electric device designated-from said electric devices and displaythem on the display unit, wherein data designated from said data whichcan be downloaded and are displayed in said second display step aredownload to said designated electric device.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing principal hardware modules of individualdevices shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the software configuration of a server 2;

FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of a peripheral devicemanagement program 305;

FIG. 5 is a view showing the software configuration of a manager PC 3;

FIG. 6 is a view showing the software configuration of client PCs 4 and5;

FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration of a downloader 502;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing processing performed by the downloader502;

FIG. 9 is a view showing the configuration of a peripheral deviceinformation acquisition module 4031;

FIG. 10A is a flow chart showing the procedure of peripheral deviceinformation acquisition by an interrupt;

FIG. 10B is a flow chart showing the procedure of normal processing;

FIG. 11 is a view showing the configuration of a main module of amanagement program 401;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the processing of the software shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a GUI module 1102;

FIG. 14 is a view showing the configuration of a client module;

FIG. 15 is a view showing the flow of data when a font is downloaded;

FIG. 16 is a view showing the flow of data when a client PC acquires acolor calibration table;

FIG. 17 is a view showing the flow of data when address book data isacquired from a function composite type copying machine;

FIG. 18 is a view showing the flow of data when address book data on aclient PC is downloaded to a function composite type copying machine;

FIG. 19 is a view showing the flow of data when the contents of astorage device of a printer or of a function composite type copyingmachine are backed up;

FIG. 20 is a view showing the flow of data when the backed-up contentsof the storage device of the printer or of the function composite typecopying machine are restored;

FIG. 21 is a view showing the flow of data when the client PC 4 or 5acquires software from the server 2;

FIG. 22 is a view showing the flow of data when the client PC 4 or 5acquires a driver of a peripheral device, such as a printer driver,facsimile driver, or scanner driver, from the server 2;

FIG. 23 is a view showing a data structure when the server 2 sends datato the client PC 4 or 5;

FIG. 24 is a view showing header information shown in FIG. 23 when afont file is sent to the client PC;

FIG. 25 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 whenan overlay form is sent to the client PC;

FIG. 26 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 when acolor calibration table is sent to the client PC;

FIG. 27 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 wheninformation used by a printer driver to overlay an image scanned by ascanner is sent to the client PC;

FIG. 28 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 whensoftware is sent to the client PC;

FIG. 29 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 when adriver is sent to the client PC;

FIG. 30 is a view showing a system in which a file server is independentof other devices in the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 31 is a view showing a floppy disk as an example of a storagemedium for storing programs;

FIG. 32 is a view showing program modules to be recorded on the floppydisk;

FIG. 33 is a view showing a process of loading the program modulesrecorded on the floppy disk into a server, manager personal computer, oruser personal computer;

FIG. 34 is a view showing file transfer paths for download in adistributed environment;

FIG. 35 is a view showing file transfer paths for download in adistributed environment;

FIG. 36 is a view showing file transfer paths for download in adistributed environment;

FIG. 37 is a view showing file transfer paths for download in adistributed environment;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing a process of accepting the designationof a file on a file server 10 during download; and

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing processing by which the server 2displays information of a printing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a view showing a system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a network, and Ethernet is usedas this network 1. However, LocalTalk or the like can also be used. Inthis embodiment, “network” means one or a plurality of means (protocols)which implement information exchange by the combination of electricalsignals, by using physical cables and the electrical signals propagatingon these cables. Usually, “network” is a general term of these means.

A server 2 has various functions such as a file server function and Webserver function.

A manager personal computer (a personal computer will be simply referredto as a PC hereinafter) 3 gives designations to the server andperipheral devices.

Client PCs 4 and 5 are PCs connected to the network 1, which are used bygeneral users. Note that the manager PC can also be used as a client PC.

Printers 6 and 7 are connected to the network 1 to receive printinginstructions from the client PCs 4 and 5 and perform printing inaccordance with the instructions.

Function composite type copying machines 8 and 9 can be used as acopying machine, printer, scanner, and facsimile apparatus by using oneor the combination of a plurality of functions, e.g., a copyingfunction, image scanner function, printer function, and facsimilefunction.

The operation of this system will be described below.

The server 2 periodically communicates with the printers 6 and 7 and thefunction composite type copying machines 8 and 9, and monitors thestatuses of these devices and the settings of their software. Themanager PC 3 changes the settings of these devices and changes theirsoftware or resources used by the software.

Pieces of designation information from the manager PC 3 are collected bythe server 2, and the client PCs 4 and 5 receive the information fromthe server 2.

The server 2 has a communication function using http. The manager PC 3and the client PCs 4 and 5 can acquire information of the server 2 byusing a Web browser and can give designations to the server 2.

When receiving designation from the manager PC 3 or the client PC 4 or5, the server 2 returns information which the server 2 has to themanager PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5. Depending on the contents of theinformation, the server 2 acquires information from the printer 6 or 7or the function composite type copying machine 8 or 9 and returns theinformation to the manager PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5. Alternatively,the server 2 performs setting of the printers 6 and 7 and the functioncomposite type copying machines 8 and 9.

The manager PC 3 has a downloader and can download software or resourcesused by the software to the printers 6 and 7 and the function compositetype copying machines 8 and 9. Examples of the software are printingcontrol firmware and network control firmware of these devices. Inaddition to these kinds of firmware, the function composite type copyingmachines 8 and 9 have, e.g., scanner control firmware, facsimile controlfirmware, copying machine firmware, panel operation firmware, imagemanagement software, and address management software.

Examples of the resources used by the software are fonts, EUDC (End UserDefined Characters), overlay forms, calibration tables, addressinformation used by the address management software, and facsimilenumbers.

The client PCs 4 and 5 hold software (e.g., drivers) for accessing andusing the printers 6 and 7 and the function composite type copyingmachines 8 and 9, and also hold resources (client PC resources) used bythe software.

Examples of the software of the client PCs 4 and 5 are a printer driverfor using a printer, a scanner driver for using a scanner, a facsimiledriver for using a facsimile apparatus, copying machine utility softwarefor controlling a copying machine, a network driver for using a network,a Web browser, and application software. Examples of the resources usedby the software are client PC fonts corresponding to printer fonts,address information used by the facsimile driver, printing data usedwhen color calibration is performed, and overlay images used in preview.

In this system, the set contents, software, and resources used by thesoftware of the printer 6 can be reflected on the other devices, i.e.,the printer 7 and the function composite type copying machines 8 and 9.Analogously, the set contents, software, and resources used by thesoftware of the function composite type copying machine 8 can bereflected on the function composite type copying machine 9 and theprinters 6 and 7.

If these device types have functional differences, only functions commonto these device types are reflected. However, information of aconvertible resource can be reflected after conversion. Furthermore,information concerning these device types on the client PC 4 can bereflected on the client PC 5. These processes are implemented byexchanging information via the server 2.

The set contents of the printers 6 and 7 and the function composite typecopying machines 8 and 9 can be changed not only by designations fromthe manager PC 3 but also by designations from operation panels of thesedevices and from the client PC 4 or 5. If change information must beaccurately transferred to the client PC 4 or 5, the printers 6 and 7 andthe function composite type copying machines 8 and 9 are constantlyinquired when the client PC 4 or 5 gives display designation or thelike, and information at the inquiry timing can be returned to theclient PC. If no strict accuracy is necessary, information held in theserver 2 can be used.

FIG. 2 is a view showing main hardware modules of the individual devicesshown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a network line. This networkline 201 is a physical line constructing a network between the devices.For example, a twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, or optical fiber canbe used.

The server 2 includes a network board 202, CPU board 203, videointerface 204, I/O interface 205, and SCSI interface 206, and alsoincludes a CRT 207, keyboard 208, mouse 209, and hard disk drive 210connected to these boards and interfaces.

In the hard disk drive 210, a plurality of hard disk units are connectedin parallel. This ensures high data transfer speed and high reliability.

The manager PC3 and the client PCs 4 and 5 include a network board 202,CPU board 203, video interface 204, I/O interface 205, and IDE interface211, and also includes a CRT 207, keyboard 208, mouse 209, and hard diskdrive 210 connected to these boards and interfaces. The structure of thehard disk driver 210 differs from that of the server 2.

The printers 6 and 7 include a network board 212 corresponding to theperipheral devices, a printer controller 213, and a print engine 214.

The hardware modules of the function composite type copying machines 8and 9 include a network board 212 corresponding to the peripheraldevices, a function composite type copying machine controller 215, aprint engine 214, an operation panel controller 216, an operation panel217, a scanner controller 218, a scanner unit 219, a modem 220, a harddisk IF 221, and a hard disk 222.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the software configuration of the server 2. InFIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes an OS (Operating System); 302, alibrary; 303, a Web server; and 304, an application which includes aperipheral device management program 305.

Reference numeral 306 denotes a hardware control program which includesa network board control program 307 and a hard disk control program 308.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of the peripheral devicemanagement program 305.

This peripheral device management program 305 is implemented as oneapplication on the server 2.

Reference-numeral 401 denotes a main portion of this management program,which controls the entire management program. A GUI CGI program 402transfers data of a frame expressed in an html format to the Web server303. The Web server 303 sends, in an http format, the data from the CGI402 to the manager PC 3 or the client PCs 4 and 5, and transfersdesignations from the manager PC 3 or the client PCs 4 and 5 to themanagement program 401.

A device communication program 403 performs communications between theperipheral devices and the server by using the network program 307 toacquire information and the like from a device, set a device, anddownload software and resources used by the software. This devicecommunication program 403 also includes a peripheral device informationacquisition module 4031.

An IPC 404 is a program for performing inter-process communications.This IPC 404 communicates with other PCs, particularly the manager PC 3by using the network program 307. A file management program 405implements a fileserver function by using the HD control program 308.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the software configuration of the manager PC 3.

An OS 501 performs general processing of the manager PC. A downloadermain program 502 downloads software and resources used by the softwareto a peripheral device.

A GUI program 503 implements a user interface function for displayinginformation and transferring designations from a user to the downloader.An IPC program 504 communicates with the IPC 404 of the server. A filemanagement program 505 is usually installed as a part of the OS 501.This file management program 505 performs file management when thecontents of a hard disk or CD-ROM are read out and downloaded as a fileto a peripheral device via the downloader 502.

A network program 506 is commonly installed as a part of the OS 501.This network program 506 performs network communications when thecontents of a hard disk or CD-ROM are read out and downloaded as a fileto a peripheral device via the downloader 502.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the software configuration of the client PCs 4and 5.

An OS 601 performs general processing of the client PC. A Web browser602 receives data expressed in an html format from the Web server 303 ofthe server 2 and displays the data on the screen, and also transfersdesignations from a user to the server 2 by using http.

A client module 603 processes some of data which are received by the Webbrowser 602 and cannot be processed by the Web browser 602. Data whichcannot be processed by the Web browser 602 are, e.g., software such asprinter drivers of the client PCs 4 and 5 and resources such as fonts ofthe client PCs 4 and 5. These data must be respectively installed in theclient PCs 4 and 5 by predetermined methods. A network program 604 isusually installed as a part of the OS 601 and communicates with the Webserver 301 by using http.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration of the downloader 502.

A main module 701 calls each module and processes parameters. A filemanagement module 702 opens or reads a file to be downloaded by usingthe file management program 505. A device search module 703 searches fora downloadable peripheral device and acquires, e.g., a protocol capableof communication and the address of the device.

A file conversion module 704 converts resources used by software if theformat of a resource for the printers 6 and 7 is different from theformat of a resource for the client PCs 4 and 5. This file conversionmodule 704 contains a file conversion module 705 for the printers and afile conversion module 706 for the client PCs 4 and 5. For example,resource formats are different when the printers use fonts expressed bycubic curves whereas the client PCs 4 and 5 use fonts expressed byquadratic curves, or when the printers 6 and 7 have an overlay imageexpression format different from that of the client PCs 4 and 5.

A download module 707 performs download by using the network program506. A communication module 708 communicates with the server 2 and sendsresources for the client PCs 4 and 5 to the server 2. An IPC module 709performs inter-process communications. That is, this IPC module 709implements inter-process communications by using the IPC program 504.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing performed by thedownloader 502.

Although download of a font will be described below, other software andresources used by the software are similarly processed. Assume that thedownloader is always communicating with the server 2 and capable ofacquiring file names and device names but, in order to acquire a filemanaged in the file server, the downloader must read out the file byseparately establishing a connection.

In step S801, a file to be downloaded is designated. That is, the userof the downloader 502 designates a file by inputting the file name.

In step S802, whether the file is on the server 2 is checked. If thefile is on the server 2, the flow advances to step S803. If the file isnot on the server 2, the flow advances to step S807. In step S802, thefile name of the file is transmitted to the server 2 and it is inquiredwhether the file name is registered on the server 2 to judge whether thefile is on the server 2, or, a list of file names registered on theserver 2 is obtained from the server 2 and it is judged whether there isthe file name of the file in the list.

In step S803, a connection to the network is established. In step S804,the file is read out. In step S805, a server flag is turned on.

In step S806, the connection to the network is disconnected. In stepS807, the file is opened. In step 808, the file is read. In step S809,the server flag is turned off. In step S810, the file is closed. Thatis, the file to be downloaded is loaded into the downloader in step S806or S810.

In step S811, a printer is selected. In step S812, whether the printerselected in step S811 is capable of download is checked. Thisdetermination is done on the basis of the type of the printer and abuilt-in storage device (e.g., a RAM, flash memory, or hard disk) of theprinter. If the printer type allows download and a storage devicecapable of download exists in the printer, it is determined that theprinter is capable of download. Incidentally, information concerning thetype and the storage device are obtained from the server 2.

If it is determined in step S812 that the printer is capable ofdownload, the flow advances to step S813; if not, the flow advances tostep S820. In step S813, the font file is converted into a form whichcan be downloaded to the printer. However, if the font file is alreadyin a downloadable form, nothing is performed.

In step S814, the font file in the downloadable form is transferred tothe printer. In step S815, whether the server flag is ON is checked. Ifthe flag is ON, it is determined that a client file already exists inthe server 2, so the processing is completed. If the server flag is notON (i.e., is OFF), the flow advances to step S816.

In step S816, the font file is converted into a form usable by theclient PC. However, if the font file is already in a form usable by theclient PC, nothing is performed.

In step S817, a connection to the server 2 via the network isestablished. In step S818, the font file for the client PC is written inthe server 2. In step S819, the connection is disconnected, a networkclosing process is performed, and the processing is completed.

In step S820, a message indicating that the file cannot be downloaded tothe printer is displayed, and the processing is terminated.

By the above processing, the client PC font file corresponding to thefont file downloaded to the printer necessarily exists in the server 2.Font file conversion is performed by converting the font file formatitself or by adding header information and the like. For example, todownload a TrueType (registered trademark) font file into a printercontaining a TrueType rasterizer, the font file must be downloaded byadding header information for the printer. Therefore, the fileconversion process adds this header information for the printer and thelike. When this font is to be used on a Mac OS, information called aFOND resource is added as additional information.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the configuration of the peripheral deviceinformation acquisition module 4031.

Main processing 901 of this peripheral device information acquisitionmodule performs overall control, communication, management, processingwhen an interrupt occurs, and exchange of download data with respect toa peripheral device. IPC 902 exchanges information with another moduleby inter-process communication.

A timer module 903 generates interrupts at predetermined intervals. Themain processing 901 so operates as to acquire information of aperipheral device at the timing of each interrupt. A cache managementprocess 904 temporarily stores peripheral device information acquired bythe timer interrupt and, when instructed to send data by the IPC, sendsthe information in the cache to another module via the IPC.

A TCP/IP module 905 exchanges data with peripheral devices capable ofacquiring information and downloading data by TCP/IP. An Apple Talkmodule 906 exchanges data with peripheral devices capable of acquiringinformation and downloading data by Apple Talk. An IPX/SPX module 907exchanges data with peripheral devices capable of acquiring informationand downloading data by IPX/SPX. Protocols other than these protocolscan, of course, be handled.

FIG. 10A is a flow chart showing the procedure of peripheral deviceinformation acquisition by an interrupt. When an interrupt occurs, thisprocessing-is executed.

In step S1011, information is acquired from all peripheral devices asobjects. The acquired information contains the version of software, theversion of a resource used by the software, the file size, the date, andthe typeface name if the file is a font, i.e., this information is forchecking whether the software and the resource used by the software arenot changed. In step S1012, the acquired information is written in thecache 904.

FIG. 10B is a flow chart showing the procedure of normal processing.

In this normal processing, information is acquired or downloaded inaccordance with user designations received by a module having a user IF.In step S1021, designations from the user IF module are received via theIPC. The contents received by the designations are contents to beprocessed, data to be downloaded, the address of a peripheral device,and the like.

In step S1022, whether download is to be performed is checked. If YES instep S1022, the flow advances to step S1023. If NO in step S1022, theflow advances to step S1024. In step S1023, transmitted data isdownloaded to a designated peripheral device, and the processing iscompleted.

In step S1024, the type of necessary information is specified. The typeof information is, e.g., the typeface name, form size, or softwareversion. In step S1025, whether the required information exists in thecache 904 is checked. If YES in step S1025, the flow advances to stepS1026. If NO in step S1025, the flow advances to step S1027.

In step S1026, the data is transmitted from the cache 904 via the IPC902. In step S1027, the data is acquired from the peripheral device. Instep S1028, the acquired data is transmitted via the IPC 902, and theprocessing is completed.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the configuration of a main module of themanagement program 401.

Main processing 1101 performs overall operation management anddistribution of processing. A GUI module 1102 performs informationexchange, e.g., sends information to be displayed to the GUI andreceives processing and data from the GUI. Network processing 1103inputs and outputs files and information via the network. A file servermodule 1104 performs read, write and management of files.

IPC processing 1105 exchanges data and information with the IPC 902 byinter-process communication. That is, this program can access peripheraldevices, the GUI, the network, and the file server and controls theoverall operation.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the processing performed by the softwareshown in FIG. 11.

In step S1201, designation is received. In step S1202, whether thedesignation is download is checked. If the designation is download, theflow advances to step S1203; if not, the flow advances to step S1205. Ifthe designation is found to be download, this module fetches a file tobe downloaded from the file server and sends the fetched file to thedownloader. Futher, the file name of the file to be downloaded is alsoreceived if the designation is download.

In step S1203, the file on the file server is opened. In step S1204, thefile is sent to the downloader via the network module 1103. After that,the flow returns to step S1201 to perform the next processing. In stepS1205, whether the designation is information display is checked. If thedesignation is information display, the flow advances to step S1206; ifnot, the flow advances to step S1208. If the designation is found to beinformation display, information in a peripheral device is transmittedin accordance with designation from the GUI communication module 1102.

In step S1206, information exchange is performed between the IPC 902 andthe IPC 1105 to acquire the information of the peripheral device. Instep S1207, the information to be displayed is output via the GUI module1102. After that, the flow returns to step S1201 to perform the nextprocessing.

In step S1208, whether the designation is save of a file to the serveris checked. If the designation is save of a file to the server, the flowadvances to step S1209; if not, the flow advances to step S1210. Save ofa file to the server is performed by designation from the downloader,and the file is transmitted via the network.

In step S1209, the file is saved in the file server. After that, theflow returns to step S1201 to perform the next processing. In stepS1210, the file is output via the GUI. This is to output a client PCresource or the like. That is, the GUI outputs the file or the like to aclient PC by using http which is a protocol by which the GUIcommunicates with a client PC. After that, the flow return to step S1201to perform the next processing. By a series of these processes,information and data in this module are transmitted and received.

FIG. 13 is a view showing the GUI module 1102.

A module 1301 communicates with the management program 401 to receivedesignations, files, and information from the management program 401 andtransfers them to an html output module 1302. This module 1301 alsotransfers designations and files received from a designation inputmodule 1303 to the management program.

The html output module 1302 forms a GUI frame file based on htmlstandards using information and designations received from themanagement program, and transfers the file to a communicating means 1304which communicates with the Web server. The designation input module1303 receives designations or archived or encoded files from the Webserver, and transfers the designations as instructions to the managementprogram. The designation input module 1303 transfers, to the managementprogram, the archived files after separating them and the encoded filesafter decoding them. The communicating means 1304 which communicateswith the Web server sends html information to the Web server 303 andtransfers designations from the Web server 303 to the designation inputmodule 1303.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the configuration of the client module. Thismodule is installed in the client PCs 4 and 5 and processes filesreceived by the Web browser.

An input means 1401 receives data from the Web browser. The receiveddata is usually archived data containing management information and afile entity. A determining means 1402 separates the received file intothe management information and the file entity, and determines the typeof the file on the basis of the management information.

The management information contains, e.g., the type of file, the filename, and the file size. If the file type represents a font, thedetermining means 1402 calls a module 1403. If the file type is anoverlay form, the determining means 1402 calls a module 1404. If thefile type represents an address book, the determining means 1402 calls amodule 1405. If the file type represents a color calibration table, thedetermining means 1402 calls a module 1406.

Reference numeral 1403 denotes a font registration module whichregisters a received font in a client PC. Reference numeral 1404 denotesan overlay form registration module which registers a received file inan overlay form processing application. When no overlay processingapplication is installed, this overlay form registration module 1404does not perform any processing.

Reference numeral 1405 denotes an address book registration module whichregisters a received address book after converting it into the format ofa registration destination, e.g., e-mail management software or a FAXdriver. Reference numeral 1406 denotes a color calibration tableregistration module which registers a received file in a printer driverfor performing image processing.

FIG. 15 is a view showing the flow of data when a font is downloaded.

A font loaded from a CD to the manager PC 3 by the manager is downloadedto the printer 6 ({circle around (1)}). The font is then registered inthe server 2 ({circle around (2)}). The client PCs 4 and load the clientPC font file from the server 2 by using the Web browser 602 and registerthe file in the system by the client module 603 ({circle around (3)}).To download the font to the other printer, the manager PC 3 loads thefont registered in the server 2 and downloads the font to the printer 7({circle around (4)}) The operation is the same when an overlay form isto be registered from a PC.

FIG. 16 is a view showing the flow of data when a client PC acquires acolor calibration table.

A color calibration table generated in the printer 6 is transmitted tothe server 2 ({circle around (1)}). The client PC 4 receives this colorcalibration table of the printer 6 by using the Web browser andregisters the table in the printer driver ({circle around (2)}). A colorcalibration table generated in the printer 7 is transmitted to theserver 2 ({circle around (3)}). If the client PC 4 is to receive thiscolor calibration table of the printer 7, processing is the same as in({circle around (2)}). {circle around (1)} and {circle around (3)} areperiodically carried out by interrupt processing. {circle around (4)}indicates the flow of data when a color calibration table is to bedownloaded from the manager PC 3. That is, when a calibration table isformed by the manager PC 3 by using colorimetry software or the like,this calibration table is downloaded from the manager PC 3. The samedata as the downloaded data is directly transmitted from the manager PC3 to the server 2. The data is transferred from the server 2 to theclient PC 4 or 5 in the same manner as for a color calibration tablegenerated in a printer. When image data input by a scanner is to betransferred to a printer driver so as to be used as an overlay form, theflow of data is identical with that of a color calibration tablegenerated in a printer.

FIG. 17 is a view showing the flow of data when address book data isacquired from the function composite type copying machine 8 or 9.

Address book data in the function composite type copying machine 8 issent to the server ({circle around (1)}). The client PC 4 or 5 receivesthe data from the server 2, and the client module 603 adds the data toor overwrites the data on address book data in the client PC 4 or 5({circle around (2)}) FIG. 18 is a view showing the flow of data whenaddress book data on the client PC 4 or 5 is downloaded to the functioncomposite type copying machine 8 or 9.

Address book data sent to the server 2 by using the Web browser isdirectly written in the function composite type copying machine 8({circle around (1)}). {circle around (2)} indicates the flow of datawhen the address book of this function composite type copying machine isto be copied. The data of the function composite type copying machine 8is once transmitted to the server 2 and written in the functioncomposite type copying machine 9.

FIG. 19 is a view showing the flow of data when the contents of thestorage device of the printer 4 or 5 or of the function composite typecopying machine 8 or 9 are backed up. Although this processing isnormally designated and activated by the Web browser, it can also bedesignated and activated from the operation panel of the functioncomposite type copying machine 8 or 9.

The contents of the storage device of the printer or of the functioncomposite type copying machine are sent to the server 2 and stored inthe internal file server of the server ({circle around (1)}).

FIG. 20 is a view showing the flow of data when the backed-up contentsof the storage device of the printer 4 or 5 or of the function compositetype copying machine 8 or 9 are restored. This processing is usuallydesignated and activated by the Web browser, but it can also bedesignated and activated from the operation panel of the functioncomposite type copying machine 8 or 9.

The data backed up in the internal file server of the server 2 is sentto the storage device of the printer or of the function composite typecopying machine 8 as the backup source ({circle around (1)}).

FIG. 21 shows the flow of data when the client PC 4 or 5 acquiressoftware from the server 2. Data is acquired from the server 2, and theclient module 603 decodes and installs the data ({circle around (1)}).

FIG. 22 shows the flow of data when the client PC 4 or 5 acquires adriver of a peripheral device, such as a printer driver, facsimiledriver, or scanner driver, from the server 2.

Data is acquired from the server 2 ({circle around (1)}). When sendingthis data, however, the server 2 refers to a peripheral device ofinterest to obtain matching with this peripheral device. That is, theserver 2 sends the network address, device type, functions, and the liketogether with the device driver to the client PC 4 or 5. On the basis ofthese pieces of information sent from the server 2, the client module603 installs the driver.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a data structure when the server 2 sends datato the client PC 4 or 5. As shown in FIG. 23, the number N of files heldas an archive inside the data is set in the start position. The array ofN addresses follows, and a file entity held together with a headerexists in a position indicated by each address. The header contains theheader length, the type of the file, and the size of the entity. Ifadditional information is present, it follows the header. That is, thefile entity exists after the header length from the start position ofthe header.

FIG. 24 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 when afont file is sent to the client PC 4 or 5. As shown in FIG. 24, theversion, file name, and font type are added as additional information.

FIG. 25 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 whenan overlay form is sent to the client PC 4 or 5. As shown in FIG. 25,the type of PDL, sheet size, resolution, and form number are added asadditional information.

FIG. 26 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 when acolor calibration table is sent to the client PC 4 or 5. As shown inFIG. 26, the date and time at which calibration information is measuredare added as additional information.

FIG. 27 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 wheninformation which a printer driver uses to overlay an image scanned by ascanner is sent to the client PC 4 or 5. As shown in FIG. 27, the sheetsize, resolution, and overlay number are added as additionalinformation.

FIG. 28 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 whensoftware is sent to the client PC 4 or 5. As shown in FIG. 28, theversion of the software and the checksum of the file are added asadditional information. Also, the file entity is a self-decompressinginstaller. The client module 603 activates the downloadedself-decompressing installer.

FIG. 29 is a view showing the header information shown in FIG. 23 when adriver is sent to the client PC 4 or 5. As shown in FIG. 29, the devicetype of the peripheral device, the address (e.g., the IP address in thecase of TCP/IP connection) for accessing the peripheral device, theversion of the driver, and the checksum of the file are added asadditional information. Also, the file entity is a self-decompressinginstaller. The client module 603 activates the downloadedself-decompressing installer by using the device type and the address asarguments.

In the system shown in FIG. 1, the server 2 is given the function of afile server. However, a file server can also be an independentcomponent.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a system in which a file server is anindependent component. This system shown in FIG. 30 will be describedbelow, although the explanation is partly the repetition of that of thesystem shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 30, reference numeral 1 denotes a network, and Ethernet is usedas this network 1. However, LocalTalk or the like can also be used.

A server 2 has various functions such as a Web server function.

A manager personal computer (a personal computer will be simply referredto as a PC hereinafter) 3 gives designations to the server andperipheral devices.

Client PCs 4 and 5 are PCs connected to the network 1, which are used bygeneral users. Note that the manager PC can also be used as a client PC.

Printers 6 and 7 are connected to the network 1 to receive printinginstructions from the client PCs 4 and 5 and perform printing inaccordance with the instructions.

Function composite type copying machines 8 and 9 can be used as acopying machine, printer, scanner, and facsimile apparatus by using oneor the combination of a plurality of functions, e.g., a copyingfunction, image scanner function, printer function, and facsimilefunction.

A file server 10 usually holds files shared by the server 2 and themanager PC 3.

The operation of the system shown in FIG. 30 will be described below.

The server 2 periodically communicates with the printers 6 and 7 and thefunction composite type copying machines 8 and 9, and monitors thestatuses of these devices and the settings of their software. Themanager PC 3 changes the settings of these devices and changes theirsoftware or resources used by the software.

Pieces of designation information from the manager PC 3 are collected asinternal information by the server 2 or held as files by the file server10. The client PCs 4 and 5 receive the information from the server 2 orreceive the files from the file server 10.

The server 2 has a communication function using http. The manager PC 3and the client PCs 4 and 5 can acquire information of the server 2 byusing a Web browser and can give designations to the server 2.

When receiving designation from the manager PC 3 or the client PC 4 or5, the server 2 returns information which the server 2 has or returns afile held by the file manager 10 to the manager PC 3 or the client PC 4or 5. Depending on the contents of the information, the server 2acquires information from the printer 6 or 7 or the function compositetype copying machine 8 or 9 and returns the information to the managerPC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5. Alternatively, the server 2 performssetting of the printers 6 and 7 and the function composite type copyingmachines 8 and 9.

The manager PC 3 has a downloader and can download software or resourcesused by the software to the printers 6 and 7 and the function compositetype copying machines 8 and 9. Examples of the software are printingcontrol firmware and network control firmware of these devices. Inaddition to these kinds of firmware, the function composite type copyingmachines 8 and 9 have, e.g., scanner control firmware, facsimile controlfirmware, copying machine firmware, panel operation firmware, imagemanagement software, and address management software.

Examples of the resources used by the software are fonts, EUDC, overlayforms, calibration tables, address information used by the addressmanagement software, and facsimile numbers. The file server 10 holdsfiles of these software and resources.

The client PCs 4 and 5 hold software (e.g., drivers) for accessing andusing the printers 6 and 7 and the function composite type copyingmachines 8 and 9, and also hold resources (client PC resources) used bythe software.

Examples of the software of the client PCs 4 and 5 are a printer driverfor using a printer, a scanner driver for using a scanner, a facsimiledriver for using a facsimile apparatus, copying machine utility softwarefor controlling a copying machine, a network driver for using a network,a Web browser, and application software. Examples of the resources usedby the software are client PC fonts corresponding to printer fonts,address information used by the facsimile driver, printing data usedwhen color calibration is performed, and overlay images used in preview.

In the system shown in FIG. 30, the set contents, software, andresources used by the software of the printer 6 can be reflected on theother devices, i.e., the printer 7 and the function composite typecopying machines 8 and 9. Analogously, the set contents, software, andresources used by the software of the function composite type copyingmachine 8 can be reflected on the function composite type copyingmachine 9 and the printers 6 and 7.

If these device types have functional differences, only functions commonto these device types are reflected. However, information of aconvertible resource can be reflected after conversion. Furthermore,information concerning these device types on the client PC 4 can bereflected on the client PC 5. These processes are implemented byexchanging information via the server 2 and the file server 10.

The set contents of the printers 6 and 7 and the function composite typecopying machines 8 and 9 can be changed not only by designations fromthe manager PC 3 but also by designations from operation panels of thesedevices and from the client PC 4 or 5. If change information must beaccurately transferred to the client PC 4 or 5, the printers 6 and 7 andthe function composite type copying machines 8 and 9 are constantlyinquired when the client PC 4 or 5 gives display designation or thelike, and information at the inquiry timing can be returned to theclient PC. If no strict accuracy is necessary, information held in theserver 2 or in the file server 10 can be used.

The file server 10 communicates with the server 2, the manager PC 3, andthe client PCs 4 and 5 via the network, thereby receiving, sending, and,if necessary, managing files.

As described above, the system shown in FIG. 1 includes one server andone manager PC. However, it is possible by separating a file server toreadily manage files and information even if a plurality of servers or aplurality of manager PCs are present. That is, the file server 10 holdsinformation shared in the system and, if needed, can send information orfiles to each server or each manager PC and receive and manageinformation or files from it.

FIGS. 34, 35, 36, and 37 are views each showing the flow of data when aresource such as a font or form is downloaded to a printing device.

FIG. 34 is a view showing the flow of data when the manager PC 3directly transfers a file to the file server 10. A resource loaded froma CD-ROM or the like to the manager PC 3 by the manager is downloaded tothe printer 7 ({circle around (1)}). This resource and relevantinformation are registered in the file server 10 ({circle around (2)}).

FIG. 35 is a view showing the flow of data when the manager PC 3transfers a file to the file server 10 via the server 2. A resourceloaded from a CD to the manager PC 3 by the manager is downloaded to theprinter 7 ({circle around (1)}). This resource and relevant informationare registered in the server 2 ({circle around (2)}). Finally, theserver 2 registers the data in the file server 10 ({circle around (3)}).

FIG. 36 is a view showing the flow of data when the data is directlytransferred from the file server 10 to the manager PC 3. The data istransferred from the file server 10 to the manager PC 3 ({circle around(1)}). The resource is then downloaded from the PC 3 to the printer 6({circle around (2)}). Relevant information is registered in the fileserver 10 ({circle around (3)}).

FIG. 37 is a view showing the flow of data when the data is transferredfrom the file server 10 to the manager PC 3 via the server 2. A file istransferred from the file server 10 to the server 2 ({circle around(1)}). This file is transferred from the server 2 to the-manager PC 3({circle around (2)}). A font is downloaded from the manager PC 3 to theprinter 6 ({circle around (3)}). Relevant information is registered inthe file server 10 via the server 2 ({circle around (4)})

Data to be registered upon download contains, e.g., the resource entity,information such as the network address for specifying a printing deviceas the download destination, the resource type such as a font or form,the file name, the file size, the date, and the registrant.

Details of the download operation are already described with referenceto FIG. 8. The transfer destination and transfer source of a file ineach case will be described below. In the transfer paths shown in FIGS.34 and 36, the file server 10 is the transfer destination and transfersource of a file. In the transfer paths shown in FIGS. 35 and 37, theserver 2 is the transfer destination and transfer source of a file to betransferred to the downloader. This file is transferred from the server2 to the file server 10 or vice versa.

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing an operation by which the downloaderaccepts the designations of a printing device and file.

In step S3801, information concerning a printing device is acquired fromthe server 2 and displayed in the form of a list. Instep S3802, thedesignation of a printing device is accepted. In step S3803, informationconcerning files downloadable to the printing device from the fileserver 10 via the server 2 or directly from the file server 10 isobtained from the server 2, and displayed in the form of a list.

In step S3804, the designation of a file is accepted. In step S3805, theselected file is downloaded to the selected printing device from thefile server 10 via the server 2 or directly from the file server 10. Instep S3806, information concerning the registered printing device andresource is registered in the file server 10 via the server 2 ordirectly in the file server 10.

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing an operation of displaying a printingdevice and a resource status.

In step S3901, the designation of a printing device whose resourcestatus is to be displayed is accepted. In step S3902, printing devicedata and resource registration status data are acquired from the fileserver 10. In step S3903, registered resource information concerning theprinting device is displayed.

Since resources downloaded from a manager PC and resource informationcontaining the download destinations are collectively held in the fileserver 10, download from a plurality of manager PCs is possible. Also,the results of download operations can be collectively displayed by aplurality of display information servers. Accordingly, it is possible toreduce the load on each manager PC, reduce the load on each displayinformation server, and collectively and unitarily manage information.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove. However, the object of the present invention can also be achievedby supplying a storage medium storing program codes of software forimplementing the functions of the above embodiments to a system or anapparatus, and reading out and executing the program codes stored in thestorage medium by a computer (or a CPU or MPU) of the system orapparatus. In this case, the program codes read out from the storagemedium implement the functions of the above embodiment, and the storagemedium storing these program codes constitutes the present invention.Also, besides the functions of the above embodiment are implemented byexecuting the readout program codes by the computer, the presentinvention includes a case where an OS (Operating System) or the likerunning on the computer performs a part or the whole of actualprocessing in accordance with designations by the program codes andthereby implements the functions of the above embodiment.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a case where, after theprogram codes read from the storage medium are written in a memory of afunction extension board inserted into the computer or of a functionextension unit connected to the computer, a CPU or the like of thefunction extension board or function extension unit performs a part orthe whole of actual processing in accordance with designations by theprogram codes and thereby implements the functions of the aboveembodiment.

FIG. 31 is a view showing a floppy disk as an example of the storagemedium for storing the program. FIG. 32 is a view showing programmodules to be recorded on the floppy disk. FIG. 33 is a view showing aprocess of loading the program modules recorded in the floppy disk intoa server, manager personal computer, or user personal computer. As isapparent from these drawings, the present invention can be executed by acomputer such as a workstation or personal computer by using a portablestorage medium.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

1. A network system comprising a plurality of printing apparatuses, atleast one data processing apparatus for downloading print resource datawhich is used during print processing to said printing apparatuses, anda server, wherein said server holds the print resource data downloadedby said data processing apparatus and information concerning thedownload, and said data processing apparatus comprises: input means forinputting an identifier for identifying the print resource data to bedownloaded; first determination means for determining downloadableprinting apparatuses from among said plurality of printing apparatusesin accordance with a type of a storage device attached to each of theplurality of printing apparatuses; and download means for downloadingthe print resource data corresponding to the input identifier to saidprinting apparatuses determined by said first determination means,wherein, when said data processing apparatus holds the print resourcedata corresponding to the input identifier, said download meansdownloads the print resource data held by said data processing apparatusto said printing apparatuses determined by said first determinationmeans, when said data processing apparatus does not hold the printresource data corresponding to the input identifier, said download meansacquires the print resource data from said server and downloads theacquired print resource data to said printing apparatuses determined bysaid first determination means, and said data processing apparatusfurther comprises: reading means for reading a server flag set to thedownloaded print resource data; second determination means fordetermining that the downloaded print resource data should betransferred to said server when the server flag indicates that thedownloaded print resource data should be transferred to said server, anddetermining that the downloaded print resource data should not betransferred to said server when the server flag indicates that thedownloaded print resource data should not be transferred to said server,and transferring means for transferring the downloaded print resourcedata to said server when said second determination means determines thatthe print resource data should be transferred to said server.
 2. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein said network system comprises aplurality of servers, and only a specific one of said servers holds theprint resource data and the information concerning the download.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the print resource data contains atleast one of data pertaining to software for controlling said printingapparatuses, data pertaining to a resource of the software, and data forchanging settings of said printing apparatus.
 4. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the information concerning the download contains atleast one of information for specifying said printing apparatus to whichthe print resource data is downloaded, the type of the print resourcedata, the size of the print resource data, and an operator who hasperformed the download operation.
 5. The system according to claim 2,wherein said data processing apparatus directly transfers the printresource data and the information concerning the download to saidspecific server.
 6. The system according to claim 2, wherein said dataprocessing apparatus transfers the print resource data and theinformation concerning the download to said specific server via anotherone of said servers.
 7. The system according to claim 2, wherein atleast one of said servers comprises means for displaying the informationconcerning the download.
 8. The system according to claim 2, wherein atleast one of said servers comprises means for displaying settinginformation concerning settings of each of said printing apparatuses. 9.The system according to claim 1, wherein said printing apparatusesinclude at least one of a printer, a scanner, a copying machine, afacsimile apparatus, and a composite apparatus having some functionsthereof.
 10. A data processing apparatus for downloading print resourcedata, which is used during print processing, to a plurality of printingapparatuses, via a network system having said plurality of printingapparatuses and a server, comprising: input means for inputting anidentifier for identifying the print resource data to be downloaded;first determination means for determining downloadable printingapparatuses from among said plurality of printing apparatuses inaccordance with a type of a storage device attached to each of theplurality of printing apparatuses; and download means for downloadingthe print resource data corresponding to the input identifier to saidprinting apparatuses determined by said first determination means,wherein, when said data processing apparatus holds the print resourcedata corresponding to the input identifier, said download meansdownloads the print resource data held by said data processing apparatusto said printing apparatuses determined by said first determinationmeans, when said data processing apparatus does not hold the printresource data corresponding to the input identifier, said download meansacquires the print resource data from said server and downloads theacquired print resource data to said printing apparatuses determined bysaid first determination means, and said data processing apparatusfurther comprises: reading means for reading a server flag set to thedownloaded print resource data; second determination means fordetermining that the downloaded print resource data should betransferred to said server when the server flag indicates that thedownloaded print resource data should be transferred to said server, anddetermining that the downloaded print resource data should not betransferred to said server when the server flag indicates that thedownloaded print resource data should not be transferred to said server,and transferring means for transferring the downloaded print resourcedata to said server when said second determination means determines thatthe print resource data should be transferred to said server.
 11. Theapparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transferring meanstransfers the downloaded print resource data and the informationconcerning the download to said server, and wherein said network systemcomprises a plurality of servers, and said transferring means transfersthe downloaded print resource data and the information concerning thedownload to a specific one of said servers.
 12. The apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein said transferring means transfers the downloadedprint resource data and the information concerning the download to saidspecific server via another one of said servers.
 13. A network systemmanagement method of managing download of print resource data, which isused during print processing, to a plurality of printing apparatuses ina network system in which said plurality of printing apparatuses and aserver are connected, said method comprising the steps of: inputting, toa data processing apparatus, an identifier for identifying the printresource data to be downloaded; a first determination step ofdetermining downloadable printing apparatuses from among said pluralityof printing apparatuses in accordance with a type of a storage deviceattached to each of the plurality of printing apparatuses; anddownloading, by the data processing apparatus, the print resource datacorresponding to the input identifier to said printing apparatusesdetermined by said first determination step, wherein, when said dataprocessing apparatus holds the print resource data corresponding to theinput identifier, said downloading step downloads the print resourcedata held by said data processing apparatus to said printing apparatusesdetermined by said first determination step, when said data processingapparatus does not hold the print resource data corresponding to theinput identifier, said downloading step acquires the print resource datafrom said server and downloads the acquired print resource data to saidprinting apparatuses determined by said first determination step, andsaid method further comprises: reading a server flag set to thedownloaded print resource data: second determination step of determiningthat the downloaded print resource data should be transferred to saidserver when the server flag indicates that the downloaded print resourcedata should be transferred to said server, and determining that thedownloaded print resource data should not be transferred to said serverwhen the server flag indicates that the downloaded print resource datashould not be transferred to said server, and transferring thedownloaded print resource data to said server when said seconddetermination step determines that the print resource data should betransferred to said server.
 14. The method according to claim 13,wherein said transferring step transfers the downloaded print resourcedata and information concerning the download to said server, whereinsaid network system comprises a plurality of servers, and saidtransferring step transfers the downloaded print resource data and theinformation concerning the download to a specific one of said servers.15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said transferring steptransfers the downloaded print resource data and the informationconcerning the download to said specific server via another one of saidservers.
 16. A computer-readable recording medium on which is stored acomputer-readable program for managing download of print resource data,which is used during print processing, to a plurality of printingapparatuses in a network system having said printing apparatuses and aserver, said program, when executed, causes a computer to perform thesteps of: an input step of inputting an identifier for identifying theprint resource data to be downloaded; a first determination step ofdetermining downloadable printing apparatuses among said plurality ofprinting apparatuses in accordance with a type of a storage deviceattached to each of the plurality of printing apparatuses; and adownload step of downloading the print resource data corresponding tothe input identifier to said printing apparatuses determined by saidfirst determination step, wherein, when said computer holds the printresource data corresponding to the input identifier, said download stepdownloads the print resource data held by said computer to said printingapparatuses determined by said first determination step, when saidcomputer does not hold the print resource data corresponding to theinput identifier, said download step acquires the print resource datafrom said server and downloads the acquired print resource data to saidprinting apparatuses determined by said first determination step, andsaid program causes said computer to perform: a reading step of readinga server flag set to the downloaded print resource data; seconddetermination step of determining that the downloaded print resourcedata should be transferred to said server when the server flag indicatesthat the downloaded print resource data should be transferred to saidserver, and determining that the downloaded print resource data shouldnot be transferred to said server when the server flag indicates thatthe downloaded print resource data should not be transferred to saidserver, and a transferring step of transferring the downloaded printresource data to said server when said second determination stepdetermines that the print resource data should be transferred to saidserver.
 17. The medium according to claim 16, wherein said transferringstep transfers the downloaded print resource data and informationconcerning the download to said server, and wherein said network systemcomprises a plurality of servers, and said transferring step transfersthe downloaded print resource data and the information concerning thedownload to a specific one of said servers.
 18. The medium according toclaim 17, wherein said transferring step transfers the downloaded printresource data and the information concerning the download to saidspecific server via another one of said servers.